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THE MALTESE ISLANDS
Geographical Facts
(as at end-September 2003,
unless otherwise indicated)
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Geographic Location |
Malta is located in the centre of the
Mediterranean, 93 km to the south of Sicily and 290 km to the north of
Africa, at the crossroads of Southern Europe, North Africa and the
Middle East. Its strategic location makes it an ideal launching pad to
enter these markets. Most European and Middle Eastern capitals are
between two and four hours flying time away. |
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The
Islands |
Malta is a small archipelago of islands
consisting of Malta, Gozo, Comino and two uninhabited islands. |
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Capital City |
Valletta |
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Area |
316 km2 |
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Climate |
The archipelago enjoys a warm
Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Average temperature (1990-2002):
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Dec - Feb 13.2°c
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June - Aug 25.8°c
Average annual rainfall (1990 - 2002):
591.3mm |
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Infrastructure |
Malta's infrastructure - air links,
transport & logistics electricity grid, telecommunication systems -
are of an international standard. The road network is extensive but in
need of upgrading. |
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Countryside and agriculture |
A rocky Mediterranean island with a dry and often windy climate,
Malta's countryside offers a unique view of the resourceful
character of the traditional islander. Tiny terraced fields have
been carved out of any available agricultural land, supported by
laboriously constructed rubble walls, and utilizing every available
pocket of land, no matter how small. This delightful patchwork
picture is enhanced by the wonderful play of colour and light…golden
yellow limestone offset the deep russet soil, the perfect azure of sea
and sky and varying hues of green from the ubiquitous olive and carob
trees. |
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Natural resources |
The island has no natural resources of
its own, except for the honey coloured limestone the Maltese use for
building their homes. Water is scarce, with annual rainfall averaging
578mm a year and the island's requirements are mainly met by the
production of the various desalination plants installed around the
island. |
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Population |
With a population of 385, 000 Malta is
one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with an
average population density of 1,200 people per square kilometre.
Most Maltese live in the satellite towns around Valletta - Malta's
capital and the country's political and commercial centre, Sliema
and the Grand Harbour, and only 15% in rural areas. More than 95% of
the population is Maltese born. Birkirkara, Hamrun, Sliema and the
Harbour towns are the most densely populated of urban areas, though
real estate prices indicate Sliema and St Julians are the more
popular residential locations. |
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Total Maltese and Foreigners |
398,985 |
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Males
Females
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197,734
201,251 |
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Age composition in % of population
(Dec. 2002) |
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0 - 19
20 - 59
60+
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26%
57%
17% |
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Average annual growth rate (1990-2002) |
0.8% |
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Density per km |
1,263 |
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>>
The Maltese Islands: Facts
and Statistics
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